Salakaar Tops JioHotstar Charts with a Perfect Blend of Espionage and Emotion

On JioHotstar right now, there’s one name everyone’s talking about — Salakaar. The newest entrant in the spy-thriller space has already claimed the number one spot on the platform, and it’s easy to see why. This isn’t just another story of guns, grit, and covert operations. Salakaar marries the sharp edges of espionage with the softer, more human side of sacrifice, and the result is magnetic.

Told across two timelines — 1978 and 2025 — the series follows Adhir Dayal, a spy tasked with infiltrating enemy territory to gather intelligence and stop a dangerous operation that could threaten national security. The mission is high-stakes, but Salakaar doesn’t rely solely on the adrenaline of action. The drama breathes through its emotional undercurrents — the toll of secrets, the strain on relationships, and the loneliness of living a life where the truth is a luxury you can’t afford.

Naveen Kasturia, as the young Adhir Dayal, delivers a performance steeped in detail. From the way he walks to the way he speaks, every mannerism feels lived-in. He carries the weight of a man torn between duty and personal life with remarkable ease, making the audience feel every unspoken conflict. As the older Adhir, Purnendu Bhattacharya brings gravitas, tying the past and present together with quiet authority and emotional depth.

Mouni Roy, playing Mariam — or Shristi Chaturvedi — adds elegance and layered intrigue to the narrative. She navigates the character’s sophistication and vulnerability with equal finesse, giving her presence a strong hold on the story. Veteran Mukesh Rishi steps into the role of Zia-ul Haq with his trademark conviction. His commanding screen presence makes the character both formidable and memorable. Meanwhile, Surya Sharma as Pakistani Colonel Ashfaq Ullah delivers an authentic, tightly controlled performance that stands out for its precision.

The makers have clearly invested time and thought into creating a believable world. Every detail — from the production design to the costumes and the atmospheric set pieces — feels rooted in its era and context. It’s the kind of authenticity that doesn’t shout for attention but quietly elevates the entire viewing experience.

What truly sets Salakaar apart, though, is its emotional centre. Yes, it’s packed with espionage, political tensions, and high-risk missions. But beneath all of that lies a story about the personal cost of serving one’s country — the quiet sacrifices, the constant weight of hidden truths, and the relationships tested by a life lived in shadows. That human angle is what makes the series linger in the mind long after an episode ends.

No surprise then that Salakaar is holding firm at the top spot on JioHotstar. It’s a rare find — a thriller with pulse, polish, and a soul — and if the current momentum is any indication, it’s only going to grow bigger from here.